It’s time to let your creativity shine and your fingers get to work! Mardi Gras is all about expressing yourself—and what better way to do that than with a show-stopping outfit?
Before you dive into glitter and glue, here are a few essential tips to ensure you achieve sartorial splendour — without wardrobe malfunctions!
Sure you can hire a costume, but it’s much more fun, creative and original to make your own. And there are so many sources for material and bits ’n’ pieces, that you’ll be limited only by your level of ostentation.
But, before you start designing, there are some things you need to consider.
The Weather: Friend or Foe?
Summer in Sydney can be very hot and humid, so make sure your chosen materials will allow plenty of ventilation (with most costumes that’s not an issue!). Be aware that metallic, plastic, glass and other hard materials can get very hot if exposed to the sun for long periods. Glues, paint, latex, and make-up can fail and/or melt. Not a good look.
On the other hand, it might rain. Fur and feathers completely lose their magic once they are wet. Make sure your glue, paint and make-up are all water-proof. If you’ve got battery-operated gizmos — lights, wings, music — ensure that the battery case is protected (most decorative lights are intended for outdoors and are waterproof). You’ll want your costume to be made from material that dries quickly, or at least, won’t be too uncomfortable when wet.
Beware, the wind! Many a parade participant has learnt the hard way that a massive headpiece, sprawling wings, or voluminous gown is no match for a gust blowing down Oxford Street. At best, you might be thrown to the ground, at worst you can become airborne. Make sure your costume allows air to pass through.
Safety & Comfort: The Key to Partying All Night
Many gorgeous accessories are, alas, highly flammable. Be mindful of cigarettes, lighters, barbecues and other open flames.
Keep an eye on your long, pointy bits. You don’t want to take out an eye or stab yourself or anyone else. You’re going to be in that outfit for several hours at least, so ensure that everything fits comfortably without chaffing. Make sure you don’t restrict circulation anywhere!
Don’t make your headpiece or anything that will be worn on shoulders, back etc, too heavy. If you plan to wear high heels make sure you’ve had plenty of practice on a variety of surfaces and for long periods.
Can you sit in your costume? Can you eat and drink while wearing your costume? Most importantly, can you go to the toilet? Try to make pieces easily removable so that you can do all these things.
If there’s no place for a handbag in your ensemble, think about sewing in a little pouch or carrying a small purse on a strap. At the very least, you’ll want your phone and may need to carry keys, tissues, chewing gum, lip balm, emergency glue and glitter.
It is essential that your costume is fun and fabulous, but most importantly, that it expresses who you are.
Happy Mardi Gras!
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